Program Offers Property Tax Discounts To Elderly Residents

WINDSOR LOCKS — Friday is the deadline for elderly residents to apply for a program that can cut their property taxes by as much as 50 percent.

At present, 280 Windsor Locks taxpayers age 65 or older are enrolled in the circuit- breaker program, assistant assessor Karen Skinner said. She said there probably are more in town who qualify.

``There could be more people out there, even though we do everything we can to get the word out,'' Skinner said. ``If we even think somebody can qualify, we send a letter out.''

The circuit breaker is aimed at lower-income elderly people. To qualify, an individual must have no more than $23,100 in annual income; married couples may earn as much as $28,300 annually.

Depending on income level, those who qualify receive a property tax discount ranging from 10 percent to 50 percent. For the average taxpayer in Windsor Locks that could mean savings of $170 to $850.

Although a tally of town residents over age 65 is not available, senior citizen center director Betty-Ann Reilly estimated there are 2,800 people over age 60 in town.

Joan Slomcinsky, who turned 65 last August, said she applied for the circuit breaker in February at the urging of a friend. ``She has more money than I do, and she said, `Joan, go down and apply now that you're 65,' '' she said.

Slomcinsky, a retired nurse's aide, said she has paid taxes on her Greenfield Drive house since 1969, and figured she deserves some relief.

First Selectman Douglas Glazier said he worries that some senior citizens have not availed themselves of the tax break because of an aversion to accepting government assistance.

``I wish seniors would not look at it as charity or `welfare','' Glazier said. ``It certainly is not. It's a benefit based on certain circumstances.''

He compared it to the $3,000 reduction in property assessment that is available to military veterans, such as himself, who served during wartime. About 115 town residents benefit from that program, Skinner said.

In applying for the circuit breaker, seniors must provide a copy of last year's income tax return, along with their 1099 form from Social Security. All income, including pensions, dividends, interest, rental income and Social Security receipts are considered.

Applications must be submitted to the assessor at town hall by 3:30 p.m. today or between 8:30 a.m. and noon Friday.